Myths of Pilates
WHAT CAN PILATES DO FOR YOU?
Tone-Up, Lengthen, Strengthen!
Pilates was designed by a man! Joseph Pilates, a physical trainer born in Germany. Originally inspired from yoga and dance, “Contrology” is based on the principles of precise muscle control, focus and breathing and is done on machines or mat.
The exercises work the deepest muscles to decompress, stabilize and align the spine using the core muscles to lift against gravity. They lengthen, stretch and strengthen without adding bulk, improve balance and flexibility, posture and body awareness, mental and physical well-being.
Pilates is functional and improves diaphragmatic breathing, deep abdominal muscle activation, neutral position of the back, pelvis, neck and shoulder .Used in physical therapy, it is an ideal program to get back in shape after pregnancy, surgery, injury. At a higher fitness level Pilates helps performance in rotational sports like Tennis, Golf, Ski.. and will open the fascia lines of the torso and the hips( often restricted by overuse and bad posture).
THE PILATES MYTHS
People who do Pilates regularly feel they have better posture, are less prone to injury and experience better overall health but in the public eye, some myths restrict the workout benefits to the Yoga and Ballet category unfairly.
MYTH #1 Pilates is good for toning , you will never get strong or burn fat
Wrong you can increase your strength by doing 8 to 15 reps in a circuit training type of workout and guarantee to break a sweat. Intensity can be increased by adding springs and emphasis on more abdominal work will set the springs low for the same exercise. For more muscle stimulation add a small ball, weights and bands. Resistance training can be achieved by increasing time under tension. Muscles burn for 72 hrs post workout and surpass any gym cardio. Jumpboard is used on the reformer for cardio!
MYTH #2 Men should stick to the gym
Wrong you can do squats, lunges, single leg squats, rotations,push up , overhead presses and triceps using your core as well for an added bonus. The versatility of the machines attack many angles of the muscle contraction therefore challenging balance and flexibility in closed and opened chain exercises. Not your sissy workout!
MYTH #3 Pilates stretches and is like Yoga
Wrong because we workout in a more functional way with fluidity of the movements, there is less isometric and more concentric exercises therefore less injuries overall. The stretches are facilitated by the springs and ropes, there are no forced movements. Inverted postures found beneficial in Yoga can be done with assistance using the push thru bar, straps/springs attachments and boxes so modifications are easier.
MYTH #4 Pilates is too hard for seniors and people with challenged injuries or diseases
Wrong the ability to work in supine, side lying and sitting positions makes it ideal for Pre – Pilates exercises and rehab. Excellent for Parkinson, knees and back injuries, Pre and Post Pregnancy, abdominal surgeries and pelvic floor issues, Rotator cuff, Scoliosis etc….